Welcome to the ALS Treatment and Research Center
at UCSF

Amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is
a progressive, fatal disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways
in the brain and spinal cord causing the body's motor neurons to
waste away. The result is progressive muscle weakness and incoordination,
causing difficulty with mobility, speaking, swallowing and breathing.

ALS attacks 1 in 1000 people without warning or cause, and the
median survival time is three to five years. However, with the proper
medication, education, and therapy, we can minimize suffering from
this disease, and allow patients to lead more autonomous lives.

This
is the mission of the ALS Center at UCSF, which is unequaled in
scientific quality, clinical breadth and depth, compassionate, professionally
advanced care and the aggressive development and application of
new, effective treatments.